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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sioux Falls
5 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Website & schedule graciejiujitsusiouxfalls.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (605) 215-1611
The classes they run
“A strong couple with strong values, raising kind, confident kids, and building a program that truly makes a difference for others here in Sioux Falls.”
“For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a part of something like this - not only for the benefits of self-defense but simply for fun!”
“The instruction is clear, thoughtful, and broken down into slices that are accessible for beginners.”
What members say
“Mitch and Jenni-Lee are excellent instructors that are positive and encouraging.”
“The instruction is clear, thoughtful, and broken down into slices that are accessible for beginners.”
“Women Empowered, women's self defense, is such a supportive space — no pressure to be super fit or have any experience.”
“The attention to detail for technical application of jiu-jitsu in actual real-life situations is outstanding!”
“Since joining the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Self-Defense class in February 2025, something in me has shifted in the most powerful way.”
“Since joining the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Self-Defense class in February 2025, something in me has shifted in the most powerful way.”
From the reviews
I don’t often share this publicly, but I’m writing this in hopes it reaches someone who needs it. When I was newly 16, I was brutally assaulted by a guy in his late 20s.
Women Empowered, women's self defense, is such a supportive space — no pressure to be super fit or have any experience. There’s so much JOY and encouragement in this class! You laugh, you mess up, you grow, and you realize you’re stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sioux Falls has a great family-friendly, welcoming, and cheerful atmosphere. If this kind of thing is new to you or your child, you won't feel out of place.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a part of something like this - not only for the benefits of self-defense but simply for fun! I heard about this program through my dad and have been attending for the last few months.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sioux Falls
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sioux Falls comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sioux Falls
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sioux Falls
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site